Build systems - Don't rely on motivation or discipline.

Resolution: Content Creation

This involved my blog, with the goal of publishing articles, notes, or book reviews weekly. I scheduled appointments in my calendar, sat down at those times, and wrote. If I found myself staring at a blank page without any ideas, my bullet journal helped. Flipping through it, I always found a thought worth writing down. I had created a system that supported me when I encountered difficulties.

My podcast Server Side Stories followed a similar approach. Releasing an episode every two weeks worked for two reasons. First, my colleague Maurice and I established a monthly podcast day dedicated exclusively to the topic. We use this time to brainstorm ideas and pre-produce several episodes in case something unexpected comes up. Second, we consistently used our daily work sessions to note whether things from our workday were suitable for an episode. Here, too, we have unconsciously created systems that support us in achieving our goals.

Resolution: Journaling

It has always been important to me to document my life and enjoy each day. For me, this includes slowing down through my bullet journal. I take a step back at least once a day—in the evening before going to bed—and reflect on the events. I note what happened, what moved me, or what ideas came to mind. Ideally, I would do this during the day or after essential appointments. However, that doesn't always work out.

As part of my evening ritual, I've written down eight questions over time that I answer for myself. In addition to expressing gratitude, I look at my energy level, my insights, patterns, and challenges. And crucially, I consider what I plan to do the next day and what should make it special.

My system behind it is as simple as it is blunt. First, brush my teeth, then write, and then go to bed to read. Without exception. Without even thinking about whether I should write. Just do it. Now it's a habit, as routine as brushing my teeth. I'm glad it's this way – it initially became established through sheer discipline. I really wanted it. Of course, I know it's not the perfect approach, and I understand how systems work. I think the connection with brushing my teeth was the key.

Resolution: Read More

I relax when I read. I learn most reliably by reading—even with videos: I read the subtitles instead of listening. Thanks, YouTube, for this feature. I know that reading is good for me, and yet I haven't done it often enough. In the evenings, my phone or watching an episode was usually more tempting. During breaks, I quickly returned to my desk to stay productive. To get closer to my goal, I had to help myself.

In the spring, I introduced a distraction-free phone routine, shortly after which I cancelled my streaming subscriptions, and then I started reading at least one chapter after lunch. These conditions helped me to read more and more. The changed lunch break led to more energy in the afternoon, which positively affected my work results. My average phone usage decreased from three hours to less than one hour. This increase in quality time benefited not only my reading but also my time with my family.

My Conclusion

Without consciously intending to, I started building systems for myself. The changes show how powerful this tool is. And it's not about the productivity hamster wheel, but about mindfulness and contentment. My resolution for the new year is to use this tool more intentionally. That's why I watched some videos on the topic, and I'd like to recommend the following two to you.

Justin Sung is an expert in learning and learning techniques. In this context, he describes the possibilities and approaches to developing systems. A worthwhile 15-minute video – I can generally recommend his channel.

Matt Gray is the founder of Founder OS and an expert in personal brand building. Knowing how much work goes into building a brand, he has some tips on how to make it work. In his 14-minute video, he looks at systems and their advantages from a different perspective.